SIR Alex Ferguson has admitted Manchester United are currently faced with many challenges - but he is confident the club will rise to meet all of them.

Last season's trophyless campaign preceded the summer takeover by Malcolm Glazer, while fans' patience has been further tested by Rio Ferdinand's ongoing contract saga.

However, Ferguson insists that the club's stature means it will always be surrounded by publicity - good or bad.

“We have challenges on many fronts at this club. This summer has been one particularly fraught with different things what with the takeover, the fans reaction to it, the Rio Ferdinand situation with his contract, and the supporters reactions to that as well.

“The takeover and all that went with it, was an unfortunate period in the history of the club. But it was another piece of the history of the club. Every day something is going on at Manchester United.

"It is just that kind of club. I suppose there is no club in the history of the world with that kind of magnetism that attracts publicity like that.

“From the minute Matt Busby took over this club, there has been something going on. He built a young side loved all over the world. Then there was the 1958 tragedy, rebuilding the team in the 60s and winning the European Cup.

“Some of the greatest players this country has ever produced have been at Old Trafford, the club has produced more players for England than any other club in the country, the European Player of the Year has been won by United players more than another club in the country.

“We are just that kind of club that produces players of great magnetism, adventure and greatness.

“But the other side of that is that every day we are front or back page news. Something is happening in this club all the time and you have to deal with it. We had the Michael Knighton thing, the BSkyB takeover attempt. We have been through all that.

“But as with everything we face, it is important for me and the club to bring people together and make sure we are united. That is the point I was making about Rio Ferdinand the other day and the fans booing him. We don’t need that. We need everybody behind the team. This is an important and crucial season.”